Graphic Identity

Northeastern’s identity system relies on the official university seal, redrawn to capture the classical lines of the seal as it appeared in the pre-digital age. As an icon, this version of the seal represents the university’s path-breaking spirit and leadership tradition. The seal together with the wordmark—the university’s name in our proprietary typeface—reflects our stature as a world-class university and leading institution of innovation.

The seal and wordmark together constitute the university’s primary logo, replacing all other logos used in the past. No other symbols may be used to represent the university, with the exception of the separate identity systems used by the Office of Alumni Relations and the Athletics Department.

Northeastern has registered and protected its seal as an official mark. It may not be modified without the approval of the Board of Trustees and the state legislature. Likewise, the wordmark is built upon a proprietary font that is exclusive to Northeastern University.

Logo Design

Northeastern’s logo builds recognition of the university and distinguishes the university’s communications. The logo is constructed of two interconnected parts: the university seal and type. The relative position and size of seal and type always remain constant.

The Wordmark The letters are customized from the typeface Baskerville, resulting in a proprietary typeface that is approachable and friendly, yet classic and elegant.

The Seal The Northeastern University seal should be used as an integral component of the identity. It should always be used with reverence to what it represents, and never in an irreverent, playful, or disrespectful way.

Structure

The Northeastern logo has been developed based on a scale relationship between the diameter of the seal and the height of the wordmark. In applying the logo, never alter that scale relationship.

Research Centers and Institutes

Northeastern research centers often have their own logos, and some are multi-university partnerships. To ensure brand integrity, graphic identities for our research centers and institutes are developed by the Office of Marketing and Communications in collaboration with the college and school deans’ offices.

Alumni Relations Mark

The identity system developed by the Office of Marketing and Communications in collaboration with the Office of Alumni Relations has its own graphic standards guidelines. For more information about the use of the alumni mark, please contact Sarah Curran, senior associate director of communications in the Office of Alumni Relations, at 617.373.4108.

Athletics Mark

The identity system developed by the athletics department has its own graphic standards guidelines. For more information about the use of the athletics mark, please contact Asha Michener, assistant director for athletics communications, at 617.373.2691.